Aspendos Travel Guide
Travel to Aspendos - Best-Preserved Ancient Theatre in Turkey
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Whilst Termessos’ theatre is undeniably located in a stunning setting, that at Aspendos is quite simply the best-preserved example in the country and it’s a testament to its builders that it is still in use today during the Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival. Look beyond the theatre though as there is more to see besides.
In antiquity the coastal area around Antalaya and stretching along the coast east towards today’s Alanya was known as Pamphylia. It is thought that like the Termessians these were a Pisidian people from the north; Perge was their capital. Aspendos was dominated by the Greeks and Persians until Alexander the Great’s arrival in 333BC when they struck a bargain and acceded to his rule. The spread of the Roman empire absorbed the city in 133 BC and the city was still important in Byzantine times but eventually was attacked by Arab raiders and later the Suljuks; the city was only finally abandoned in the 18th century, ending at least 2200 years of history.
Attractions in Aspendos
Today the site of Aspendos is best known for its theatre. Designed by the architect Zeno its use continues even today bearing witness to his skill in planning and the builders’ in construction. It is remarkably well preserved, with seating partly built into a hill on which sits an acropolis, the remainder sitting on a vaulted arcade. The 96 metre-diameter theatre can accommodate some 7,000 people and, unusually, the backdrop behind the stage is complete reinforcing the feeling the audience is within a building; a movable awning would in antiquity added to this feeling. Beyond the theatre there is more to explore. The acropolis already mentioned has a number of structures and there is also an aqueduct, nymphaeum and basilica to see. Visitors with their own transport may like to visit the Pamphylian capital of Perge en route back to Antalya.
Activities in Aspendos
Aspendos is a popular addition to a visit to Termessos (which should be visited first) and a full-day tour with a driver-guide will make life easier for travellers visiting both. Aspendos site itself can be explored in a couple of hours and a guide is not necessary to appreciate the theatre, though one will no doubt add flesh to the bones to its history. The Aspendos Opera and Ballet Festival takes place between the 7th June and 16th July 2007 and is an annual event taking place around the same time each year.
Relaxing
The old city of Antalya is the best place to come after a hard day’s sightseeing. The old city walls have many little restaurants within them and provides the best place to reflect on the day.
Getting Around
Taxi tours are available from Antalya, but can be poor value for money. A better option is to hire a driver guide and combine a visit with Termessos. Aspendos can be reached by taking a public bus from Antalya headed towards Manavgat; get off at the turn-off to the site and take a taxi to save the 45 minute walk to the entrance.
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